Is It Safe to Take Charcoal Pills for Gas and Bloating?

The Short Answer from an emergency medicine physician

Q: Is it OK for me to take charcoal pills for gas and bloating?

A: In the emergency department, we use activated charcoal to treat certain types of drug overdose and poisoning. Once swallowed, charcoal binds to the drug or toxin in the stomach so the body can’t absorb it.

While activated charcoal’s effectiveness in the emergency department is proven, there are conflicting results related to its ability to relieve gas/bloating. And no studies support its use for lowering cholesterol or preventing hangovers.